Member

The most important statistic tonight is the attendance: 747, the lowest gate ever at Prenton Park for a competitive fixture. The SWA sending a message loud and clear to the Premier League. It was surreal and horrible watching our senior players running around against a bunch of kids in a reserve match atmosphere, and not one I ever want to repeat. I have no idea where the club got the 47 away fans from, as the Cowshed was literally empty. I suspect the number of people actually in attendance was even lower.

Taking the game on its merits, I thought we did ok and there were some positives: Luke George had a very good game and made a string of good saves; it was great to see Evan Gumbs back on the pitch in a Rovers shirt; Ryan Williams played in a more advanced role and looked a lot fitter than he did at Shrewsbury; all the established players did ok.

On the negative, Tollitt and DMH were brighter than normal against a naive defence, but still did not really do enough.

Member

The most important statistic tonight is the attendance: 747, the lowest gate ever at Prenton Park for a competitive fixture. The SWA sending a message loud and clear to the Premier League. It was surreal and horrible watching our senior players running around against a bunch of kids in a reserve match atmosphere, and not one I ever want to repeat. I have no idea where the club got the 47 away fans from, as the Cowshed was literally empty. I suspect the number of people actually in attendance was even lower.

Taking the game on its merits, I thought we did ok and there were some positives: Luke George had a very good game and made a string of good saves; it was great to see Evan Gumbs back on the pitch in a Rovers shirt; Ryan Williams played in a more advanced role and looked a lot fitter than he did at Shrewsbury; all the established players did ok.

On the negative, Tollitt and DMH were brighter than normal against a naive defence, but still did not really do enough.

On the other hand we got some squad players/ returning players to get a decent game with little risk of injury (neither trainer on all game and no bookings). It is for MM surely better to see them play against some very good albeit young players than a reserve game against the second string from other L2 clubs. Yes I agree the competition is compromised but we would be fined if we didn't play so we have to.

Thought DMH did better, Franklyn was ok and Tollitt needs to go out on loan. George was much better against teams not trying to lump it into the box. Zoum was immense given he played 90 minutes and delighted to see Evan back on the pitch. Finally thought Williams looked much fitter and could definitely do a job if we have some midfield injuries...

Member

It is not just about the competition being compromised (which matters incidentally). It threatens the existence of your club. In ten years time when we have been replaced in the Football League by Bournemouth B, don't say I did not warn you. The competition is a Trojan horse being used to soften people up to the idea of Premier League reserve teams in Leagues One and Two.

Member

It is not just about the competition being compromised (which matters incidentally). It threatens the existence of your club. In ten years time when we have been replaced in the Football League by Bournemouth B, don't say I did not warn you. The competition is a Trojan horse being used to soften people up to the idea of Premier League reserve teams in Leagues One and Two.

I get that RLC but as I said we would be fined if 1) we didn't play in the competition and 2) we didn't fulfil the selection criteria. We can't afford that I am sure. Given that, I think MM made it as obvious as he could about his thoughts on the competition and the crowd certainly did! Like you I would be very happy to see this revert to a proper competition and fully understand the risks of B teams etc. but I assume it was voted through when we were in the NL. The best hope I suspect is that the sponsors will see what is happening and demand change as this can't be good for any brand surely?

Member

I get the concerns about the U21s being allowed into this competition to be the thin end of the wedge, but apart from fans voting with their feet, as they did by staying away last night, unsure what else we can do. If it could be engineered so that two U21 sides end up in the final with a poor turnout, that might help a bit I suppose.